Non-Officer Uniforms

B

bgraham5

Member
As far as I can tell most of the crew who weren't Officers or Victualling Crew wore some variation of the White Star Line sweater with a Royal Navy style flat cap or plain jeff cap, depending on their job. So who were the crew members who wore something resembling a Royal Navy sailor outfit, like the guy in the middle, attached?

44742
 
Able Bodied Seamen, Ordinary Seamen, Quartermasters, Lookouts and probably the storekeeper (deck dept.) would have worn those kind of togs. I can't recall what the Lamp Trimmer was supposed to wear, someone else will know that.

A couple of months ago on this forum, Harland Duzen, who posts on here recommended a book called "Guide to the Crew of Titanic" by Günter Bäbler to me. I was able to find a library that had a copy of this remarkable piece of research that tells you everything you need to know about the crew, including their uniforms. You might find it really useful. It's a great reference guide.
 
Last edited:
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: Samuel Halpern and bgraham5
I have that book; it's phenomenal! I just couldn't tell by the descriptions what those shirts might be called.
 
Ah sorry about that !

I think the lad in the photograph is wearing the most basic and lightest kind of regulation clothing allowed. He perhaps forgot to put on or just didn't have time to get on his regulation sweater emblazoned "White Star Line" that you see many of his mates wearing in other photographs. Some of these lads were roused from their bunks and ordered on deck in a hurry and as such they would have dressed in haste.

Is that a photograph of the surviving crew in New York or upon their return to England ?
 
Taken at Plymouth, probably just after the crew were released from their temporary confinement following their return. I believe it shows a mix of survivors along with at least one friend or relative who had been waiting to greet them. They are probably heading for the nearest pub! There is a slightly earlier photo which shows the crew survivors confined behind a railing and members of the oublic, including children, on the outside. The young man in Royal Navy uniform (or somebody VERY like him) can be seen on the public side of the barrier at that time. I'm guessing he was the brother of a survivor.
 
In photos which DO show survivors wearing rhe Navy style tunic with distinctive 'Jack Tar' collar, such men were Quartermasters. Ordinary members of the deck crew were not required to wear a formal uniform, though White Star Line caps and sweaters were made available for those who chose to wear them. Many did not.
 
Reply
  • Like
Reactions: bgraham5
Bob Godfrey said:
Taken at Plymouth, probably just after the crew were released from their temporary confinement following their return. I believe it shows a mix of survivors along with at least one friend or relative who had been waiting to greet them. They are probably heading for the nearest pub! There is a slightly earlier photo which shows the crew survivors confined behind a railing and members of the oublic, including children, on the outside. The young man in Royal Navy uniform (or somebody VERY like him) can be seen on the public side of the barrier at that time. I'm guessing he was the brother of a survivor.
Click to expand...

Bob, your quite right. I now withdraw what I posted above. Sorry about that bgraham5 !

I had stupidly not looked carefully enough at that lad's sleeve. Isn't that is a three years good conduct chevron on both his arms ? Only the Royal Navy would have awarded them..
 
Yes, I beieve that's what the chevrons are, Seumas, but I'm no expert on good conduct! I know they were worth a penny a day in extra pay.
 
Seumas said:
Bob, your quite right. I now withdraw what I posted above. Sorry about that bgraham5 !

I had stupidly not looked carefully enough at that lad's sleeve. Isn't that is a three years good conduct chevron on both his arms ? Only the Royal Navy would have awarded them..
Click to expand...

Thank you for the clarification, Bob! That supports what I have been finding. I do know that Quartermasters did earn good conduct stripes like Royal Navy sailors, or at least the White Star line guys had one on their sleeves.
 
Back
Top